WW1 Canadian CEF Bandsman’s Lyre Trade Badge

The WW1 Canadian CEF Bandsman’s Lyre Trade Badge is an original insignia issued to military bandsmen serving with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. The badge features a lyre symbol, which was internationally recognized as the emblem of military musicians. Constructed from khaki wool with embroidered detailing, the badge was designed to be worn on the sleeve of the service dress uniform, typically above the cuff. Bandsmen were integral to regimental morale and ceremony, providing music for marches, parades, and daily routines within the camps and on the battlefield. The lyre trade badge served to identify these personnel within the unit, reflecting their specialized role. This badge is representative of early 20th-century Canadian military uniform insignia and offers insight into the structure and non-combatant roles present in the CEF during World War I. It remains a significant artifact for both military history and the study of wartime musical traditions.